Jordan Reclaimed

A heavy metal rocker and a ballerina. Such and odd pairing but I loved them together. I've been looking forward to Jordan's story since learning about him in the third book of the Second Circle Tattoos series. He seemed so broken. Who would have that a ballerina would be his salvation and that he would be her salvation as well.

Jordan's story was heartbreaking and explained his need for having everyone close. His story brought the rest of the band members to the forefront. Each have their own tragic past that connects each of them and I'm eager to read the each of their own stories. Great series! ARC provided by NetGalley.

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Grainy, obscured.... hard to "get" what's being conveys at first glance. Does not catch the eye. Visually, I'd end up passing over it. Luckily, the author is on my watch list, so I was lucky enough to catch it. Since I'm a fan of damaged and/or imperfect heroes, this one sounds like it'll be a good fit for me.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person.
Setting ~> Canada

** WARNING **: If you are a more sensitive reader, be forewarned that Jordan's childhood abuse and neglect are brought to light. There is also a few instances of "discipline" that crosses the line into assault territory.
A spin-off series of Scarlett Cole's SECOND CIRCLE TATTOOS series, PRELOAD is all about Dred's bandmates. (See THE PUREST HOOK, Second Circle, #3 for Dred and Pixie's story). This series will be able to stand on it's own, but it would probably be more fulfilling if it were read after reading the SCT series, since the guys are featured in a few books.
Jordan had a terrible childhood. He's grown into a broken man with a damaged sense of self. Every day is a real struggle for him as he battles the anxiety and darkness that threaten to consume him at all hours with no warning... that is, until he witnesses the grace and lightness of an angel's dance through the window of a studio. Somehow, this man managed to make me smile, while tears brimmed and my heart broke for him. I did not even know that was possible.
Lexi's struggles are no less constant. She strives to be a better dancer to get parts in upcoming dances that she's always passed over for, she struggles to lose and maintain weight she perceives as a downfall in both her performance and her father's approval. As a former dancer from Russia, he has certain expectations and old-world methods that may just become her ultimate end.
Together, the two struggle together to find a balance and harmony between their vastly different lives. While the attraction and chemistry are instant and intense, communication, openness, and honesty NEED to be worked on at great lengths before they can hope for any kind of stable relationship. The cast consists of the members of PRELOAD, plus Dred's fiancee and daughter (again, see THE PUREST HOOK), Maisey and Ellen, people Lexi works with, and her dad. Interactions felt natural and the dialogue was believable. The plot was dynamic, vibrant and rich, it touched some darker and deeper topics, but shone light and goodness into the deepest of crevasses by the end. Very minor predictability. Conflicts were all mostly resolved, no major loose ends. Conclusion is mostly solid and rather satisfying.
Overall, I love the new series and cannot wait to read more about the other guys and meet the women that deem them worthy.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.45 ~ Stars: 4 (4.5 if I could)
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

A new series from Scarlett Cole? YES PLEASE!! As a spin-off of her Second Circle series, we met these characters in The Purest Hook and I'm so excited to get their stories as well as catch up on the lives of Dred, Pixie & Petal. All these characters are so deep and complex I can't wait to get to know each of them. First up is Jordan. He's troubled and dark and so very lovable. When he meets Aleksandra Artemov he knows she touches something deep inside of him. The emotional journey these two go on is beautiful and unforgettable.

This one needs to be on the must read list! I highly recommend it.